New to backpacking, looking for recommendations

I’m looking to get into backpacking and was hoping for a 1/2 night backpacking recommendation. I’m in the LA area but am willing and eager to drive to a great spot. Anything up Angeles National Forest is extremely close for me, but I’m willing to drive further for somewhere worth it. What would y’all say is a good spot for a beginner to dip their toes into it and what is one piece of equipment you now know to bring that maybe would have slipped your mind when you were first starting out?

Thanks!

in socalhikingby Wtfreakydeakydutch

76%

16d

BasicallyAtheist

16d

Bear Canyon Trail Camp. ANF. This was my first overnight and it’s great for beginners. As far as equipment. I brought way too much and have scaled back each and every time since. Enjoy before it gets too warm.

Wtfreakydeakydutch

16d

Thank you, I’m going to research Bear Canyon! 🤙🏽

BasicallyAtheist

16d

Have fun where ever you decide to go!

PlasticGirl

🍰

15d

If you're talking about the Bear Canyon area in Switzer Falls, I can provide you some info you want. I haven't backpacked there, but I did hike to the campgrounds.

gymchic72

15d

How was the hike?

PlasticGirl

🍰

13d

It's a fun time. There's two parts - one is the section from Switzer Falls Picnic Area, up across the side of the mountains, and then back down to the river. That's very doable, you'll even see kids on the trail. There's several water crossings, and so it's helpful to bring poles.
When you get back down to the river, you go left to Switzer Falls and right to Bear Canyon. Bear Canyon seems like a normal trail that wanders past some beautiful swimming holes, but the trail dumps you into the river and stays there for a while. It gets more technical, and requires you to scramble over log jams and rocks and fallen branches. I do not recommend doing this after a period of heavy rain. I do not recommend doing it alone. It's easy to slip and get hurt. Even with poles, your chances of wet shoes are pretty high. But once you defeat the river debris, you're allowed to return to the trail which spits you out at a spacious campground with stoves and flat spots to camp.
Bring bug spray, and wear long pants, because poison oak is everywhere.

hikin_jim

16d

Insect repellent and a head net. You don't always need them, but they're small enough and light enough that they're worth bringing. It's also worth spraying your clothes with permethrin if you are going into tick or mosquito country. The majority of the San Gabriel Mountains below 7000' is tick country. I've picked up two ticks this year, one quite painful.

Chapstick with at least SPF 15

Bandana (I sweat a lot and keep one in my pocket so sweat doesn't get in my eyes)

Swiss Army Knife with scissors and tweezers. Tweezers are another one of those things that you don't always need but are danged glad you brought them when you do need them.

Wtfreakydeakydutch

16d

Head net and tweezers are a clutch recommendation, thank you! Yah, tics are wild…unfortunately my wife got Lyme’s disease from a tic…bummer side note. Appreciate the advice!

Particular-Bug2189

10d

Are the tweezers related to the tick story?

hikin_jim

10d

Yes, but more. One time I got sea urchin spines in my hand on Santa Cruz Island.

JamesSmith1200

15d

Before I take new gear out on a multi mile or multi day backpacking trip, I go to Millard campground and do a test run. Campsite is a 5-minute walk from the car so if things go bad I can always go back to my car.

Sleeping bag liner. Helps keep the bag clean.

I also recommend getting an adventure pass if you don’t already have one

Wtfreakydeakydutch

15d

Great advice. 🤙🏽

User deleted comment

16d

Wtfreakydeakydutch

15d

Thank you, somewhere with a little water would be ideal. Just a nice change of scenery. I’ll check it out!

FalconForest5307

15d

To be clear, it has water for drinking nearby, not like a creek or anything. 👍

Wtfreakydeakydutch

15d

Well..I guess that’s good too lol. Thanks!

FalconForest5307

15d

It is! Then you don’t have your carry all of your water. 8 lbs per gallon! Be sure to bring a filter.

gymchic72

15d

I’ve been wanting to go there, do You think it will be crowded for Memorial Day weekend?

Odysseus183

16d

Something to sit on. No need at all for a backpacking foldable chair or anything. A common item is a small piece of foam that you strap onto your pack.

When you are at your campsite you realize larger rocks aren't 100% comfortable, and the bare ground isn't as appealing. A tiny bit of added weight can be nice.

Wtfreakydeakydutch

16d

Great call, it’s crazy but that is something I would have never thought of. I appreciate it! 🤙🏽

Particular-Bug2189

10d

https://klymit.com/products/v-seat

oldbison35

15d

Bear canyon is close. Pretty easy. But it's over grown at times you can get lost. Download all trails. So you can download the map. For all your trails. Always tell someone where your going.

Bubbly-Guarantee-988

15d

Willet hot springs.

No-Effective-9818

15d

Gregory backpacks for the backpacking trips

supercr4cky

15d

Mt. Lowe Campground is pretty great also:

Mount Lowe Campground via Cobb Estate on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mount-lowe-campground-via-cobb-estate?p=-1&sh=ilbdwg

I used this as a first overnight backpacking trip for a couple buddies on Easter and it worked out well.

At that time, plenty of water on the way up and at camp. I would echo a few of the recommendations already made and say a bandana as a multipurpose item, and some type of pad to sit on. In addition stash an extra mini Bic in your pack.

Go-to items for me specifically are a light fanny pack, (I wear mine while hiking, but also great to just carry in your pack for camp to keep your smalls together), a sun hoodie always, and sunglasses.